Libby75

Yes, I have considered a return to studies but there's so much on my mind that I'd find it difficult to retain anything study wise.

Also, it's difficult as a lone parent with a young child and no support network. A third point is that I've always dreamt of owning and running my own business which would also allow me to ensure I am able to be there for my daughter for school, activities, support etc.

I've never been a 9-5 kind of girl. And I love properties, architecture, interior design etc.

But definitely an idea that's been considered - I was thinking of going into law. Clearly, I'd be a one of a kind generous, thoughtful and honest barrister who only had my clients' best outcome in mind!

Ray

Here is an E-2 visa forum ...more reading

http://www.thefloridaforums.com/forum/

Libby75

Thank you, Ray.

Phoodilicious

It is really hard to tell if they are making a "good" profit as we are not close enough friends to really ask direct questions. The couples we know here in OC who flip the properties seem to be concentrating on properties in Arizona and the Carolinas, and only smaller properties/apartments/condos in OC (maybe due to the higher cost to purchase in this area). They are all retired professional couples in their 50's and 60's and one even in his 70's. It does make me wonder why they work so hard, at a time when ideally I'd want to be slowing down, if they were doing that well? This isn't a very helpful reply to you I know but I just don't know these folks well enough to be able to gauge their success. They all have a nice lifestyle, nice homes etc but this was probably done on their previous careers....

sir_eccles

Not to keep shooting down your ideas, but one of the keys to making money in property is having a fairly intimate knowledge of the area something which you will not have.

Sally Redux

It is clear that Libby is being very selective in what information she is taking in.

I don't see any 'plan' here at all.

I will say no more.

Libby75

It's interesting that so many seem to be into property as a hobby. I know some people here who are property developers/investors, but not a large number.

MMcD

She told us in post # 76 that, in effect, she's having a hard time concentrating.
She also told us she craves a warm, nurturing, welcoming community. Does she have any idea she'd be swimming with sharks in the most cut-throat, competitive sea of crazies if she started dabbling in flipping properties in Orange County.
It may be warm.....but it's so COLD
Bonkers!

Libby75

Yes, completely agree.

I think the starting point is getting as much info as possible to see if we even want to move to US.

IF we do, then area selection to be narrowed down, business or work choice made, finances calculated, look into visa possibilities etc based on all this.

If I do decide to go into property, here or anywhere else, again, there will be detailed research of area, pricing, sales vs rentals, demographics, trends etc. done.

Bob

If that's the case, you'd seriously be better off setting up the business to do that in the UK than in the US.

You'll be in a foreign country with even less network of support, dealing with trivial things that aren't familiar, from the mundane to the far reaching bureaucracy.

That's not to say don't do it, but if you can't see yourself doing it in the UK, the US would be far, far tougher to survive as a small business doing that kind of thing.

I think a lot of people who do well in that kind of venture already have a large network in place. They know their location well, they know who'll be good for contractors, the local by-laws, insurance requirements and have a network of people for buying and selling the properties. Which you wouldn't have.

MMcD

Not without first becoming a solicitor.

Libby75

As always, Bob, you point me to the practiclities. Just the kind of discussion I need, keeps my investigations going and ensures I consider the details.

sir_eccles

Not as many as there used to be about four or five years back and that should tell you something.